When was Japan's formal surrender signed aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay?

Japan's formal surrender was signed aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945. The ceremony converted the earlier public announcement into a signed capitulation and officially ended hostilities with the Allied powers.

Japanese representatives signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender shortly after 9 a.m. Japan Standard Time. Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed for the Japanese government, followed by General Yoshijirō Umezu for Imperial General Headquarters. General Douglas MacArthur signed for the Allied powers.

The ceremony took place on Missouri's deck in front of Allied representatives and a large formation of ships and aircraft. The document took effect at 9:25 a.m. that morning. Delegates from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand signed for the Allies.

The date is sometimes also called V-J Day, although 14 or 15 August is used in many countries for the announcement of Japan's acceptance. The distinction matters: 15 August marked the public announcement, while 2 September marked the formal signing.